Guinea
About
| The Republic of Guinea is bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Guinea's main attraction to tourists is its relatively undisturbed countryside. Its landscape varies from mountains to plains and from savannah to forest and the three great rivers of West Africa (the Gambia, the Senegal and the Niger) all originate here. There is also a National Museum (Musée National), with a collection of masks, statues and musical instruments. The Palais du Peuple is a large, Chinese-built auditorium that is home to two national ballet troupes. The town of Katikan is interesting for its open air markets and Great Mosque, along with the Presidential Palace. A medium-length excursion from Conakry is the town of Kindia, renowned for its quality of cloth and weaving - an indigo dyeing centre and a cloth market grace the centre. If Guinea has a 'party town', it is probably going to be Faranah. When the sun sets, this town buzzes with people frequenting the area's cafes and restaurants. Its great mosque, villas, wine boulevards and markets make this an interesting stop along the source of the Niger. Known as the land of waters, fruit, faith and freedom, the Fouta Djalon highlands are renowned for their picturesque hills, offering superb views and ideal for hiking. |
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| Capital: | Conakry (CKY) |
| Currency: | Guinea Franc (GNF) |
| Language: | French and several local languages (Fula, Malinke, Susu, Kissi, Kpelle and Toma) |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 224 |
| Time Zones: | No GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Plugs: | 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs with round pins are standard |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. |
| Customs: | Respect to religious (Muslim) customs should be shown |
| Local Offences / Laws: | A permit is required to photograph buildings. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Limited acceptance of credit cards. Guinea has a cash economy. ATMs are not available. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Guinea without incurring customs duty: • 1,000 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 1 bottle of alcoholic beverage (opened). • A reasonable quantity of perfume. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Rep. of Guinea
336 Orient Street Arcadia 0083
Tel: 012 342 4906 / 7348
Email: embaguinea@iafrica.com
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 26, 31; Apr 3, 21; May 1, 25; Jun 7; Aug 15; Sep 5; Oct 2; Nov 1; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 16, 20; Apr 6; May 1, 25, 27-28; Aug 15, 26; Oct 2; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Visas may be applied for online at: www.paf.gov.gn/visa
REQUIREMENTS (TOURIST VISA):
- Valid passport
- Scanned copy of valid passport’s datapage
- Return ticket
- Yellow Fever Certificate
Once you have applied online, an acknowledgement email will be sent to you. An Entry Visa Letter will be sent to you once the application is approved by the Authority.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Valid Passport (with validity more than 6 months)
- Entry Visa Letter
- Sufficient funds
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
Proceed to the visa on-arrival counter to get your visa. Applicant photo and fingerprint will be captured at the enrolment counter
Visa Processing Time
72 hours
Visa Validity
Tourist Visa: 90 Days
Transit Visa: 3 Days
Long Term Visa: 1 year
Visa Cost
Tourist Visa: USD 80
Transit Visa: USD 50
Long Term Visa: USD 150
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Coleah Corniche Sud, Mossoudougou, Conakry
Tel: +224 30 6429 9244
Email:conakry@dirco.gov.za
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
